Oosterhout - It was a year ago that an automation system supplied by  Q.I. Press Controls (QIPC) was installed for the very first time at the Star Tribune printing plant. The mRC-3D for register control is now functioning to the complete satisfaction of the Star Tribune based in Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA). “We're extremely happy with the improvements in quality and reductions in waste.” 

The Star Tribune has no fewer than five printing presses on which its own newspaper as well as others, including USA Today, are printed. Three years ago, the company expressed an interest in register control for one of its presses. Systems from several different suppliers were considered, but in the end, QIPC’s mRC-3D came out as being the best match for automating register control on Star Tribune's Goss Headliner. “QIPC’s know-how and approach towards the Goss hydraulic system, plus the guarantee that the register control would work, swung our decision”, explains Kevin Desmond, Senior Vice-President of Operations at the Star Tribune.

Top quality 

The system consists of six cameras. “The mRC-3D system brings about savings in waste and a quality in the final product that is second to none”, adds Ronald Reedijk, managing director of QIPC-EAE Americas. “That's extremely important to them, since at the very moment they wanted to have the system installed, they'd just struck a deal with Gannett to print USA Today for the region.”

Star Tribune has since been using the system for a year and the Minneapolis-based concern is delighted with it. “It works like clockwork”, explains Kevin Desmond. “We're extremely happy with the improvements in quality and reductions in waste.” In addition to the system itself, Star Tribune is likewise extremely content with the collaboration with QIPC. “After a slow start, QIPC has turned out to be a real ally”, said Kevin Desmond. “They managed to clear all the hurdles that installation and testing put in their way.” 

Intensification of collaboration

QIPC foresees great opportunities in intensifying the relationship. Ronald Reedijk: “They have a total of five printing presses, three of which are used on a frequent basis. Because our system is now proving itself more than competent at Star Tribune, I think it's more than likely we'll be involved in the upgrade of their other presses.”